What is the Creative process?
If you have chosen the path of creative arts and partaken in a degree, whether it be film, audio, design or any other artistic passion, you would have heard of this magical technique called the 'the creative processâ. I use to legitimately shudder when I read these words in a course outline, because what even is a creative process? And why is it not good enough for me to just write down about last Tuesday when I sat at my desk for 2 hours fleshing out an idea I had in the shower?
Well, this is why. By definition process means to take a number of steps towards a goal. This is not merely one thought; it is an on-going development. Creativity on the other hand, is something I think cannot really be described because it is different for everyone. So, these words strung together can be a little bit confronting because how can we give structure to something that is not only not physical but also different for everyone? Â
In high school, I had this friend who was wildly creative at the most random of times, and I thought âf**k youâre weirdâ. I wasn't much of an artist back then, more of an enthusiast in all things creative. Still, my friend is a perfect example of watching the creative process unfold and something that we can both now relate too. He would always have some sort of notebook and a variety of pens stuck in his back pocket or bag. We would be walking to the park, and he would just need a moment to stop in our tracks and write down something or draw a picture that he just wasn't allowed to forget. I never really understood this. This was my friend's creative process; he would get creative ideas bursts at the most random of times.
The creative process is not just an hours' worth of time back in 2016, leading to a multi-million-dollar idea. It's an ongoing process that doesn't cease until the post- start-up of a product or service. An example of my own creative process is my current project I am producing now. I remember working as a bartender; I was frosting milkshake glasses with nerds and vanilla. I thought to myself, "How cool would it be if I designed a game series that taught other creatives? how to implement creative techniques in their works.". I scrambled for my phone and started jotting down notes, but I didn't get very far that day. It was a few weeks later I adopted a narrative for a game shaking cocktails. Another few weeks later, I developed concepts while driving to my friend's house. Months past and I took a step back and went an entirely different direction just before starting my master's degree. The creative process goes in any order. Just because you're moving forward at a fast pace doesn't mean your close, and because you've gone so far back doesn't mean there isnât value in the work that has been completed. Even now, as I am so close to debuting my company during my production phases, and I am still making changes, big and small.
For my logical creatives that love a good ol'structure, the creative process in an entrepreneurial mindset has four commonly known phases:
Evaluation and implementation
The knowledge accumulation phase is where you as an individual acquire knowledge in a variety of fields and expertise relating to the chosen topic of exploration. This leads to phase two, where the information will incubate and process; you may find a connection between idea and opportunity. The next phase can be hard to distinguish from the last. This is where you, as a user, have a more refined idea and structure. Both of these phases may occur while taking part in mundane activities like doing the dishes or driving. The last step is where you, as an entrepreneur obtain resources and the skills to bring the idea to life.Â
It's important to note that these phases can occur in any order. My own process for my project started with phase 3, followed by 2, 1 and 4.
The creative process will be different for everyone, depending on their environments, personal characteristics, and ideas. In my experience, alongside peers, there's no right or wrong way to create anything when it comes to creativity. My one piece of advice for those who are attempting a major project for the first-time is don't be afraid if you think you do not have the skills or resources. I am a horrible programmer and a chaotic individual that cannot keep to a schedule to save a life. But this is where my team working skills come into play, it may take me longer than expected to get going, but nonetheless, it will get going!
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